Shiv Sena attacks BMC chief Bhide over deaths amid BJP-Sena tensions

The Shiv Sena has turned its fire on BMC Commissioner Iyad Rajesh Bhide, blaming him for mismanagement in handling recent deaths across the city. The attack marks the latest flashpoint in a widening cold war between the Shiv Sena and its BJP ally within the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, exposing cracks in their saffron alliance.

Sena leaders have publicly questioned Bhide's administrative capabilities, accusing him of failing to implement proper protocols and oversight mechanisms that could have prevented the deaths. The party has demanded accountability from the commissioner, whose tenure has already faced scrutiny over multiple civic failures. Sena representatives have signalled they intend to raise the issue forcefully in BMC proceedings and press for corrective action from the administration.

The tension reflects a broader power struggle between the two parties within the BMC. While the Shiv Sena and BJP jointly govern Maharashtra and hold substantial influence in Mumbai, their relationship has grown increasingly fractious over civic administration and resource allocation. The BJP-led administration at the BMC has clashed with Sena corporators on several fronts, from infrastructure decisions to welfare schemes. This latest spat over deaths suggests the friction is moving beyond backroom manoeuvrings into the public domain.

The deaths that triggered the Sena's attack have raised serious questions about BMC's public health systems and administrative oversight. Whether the criticisms are justified or politically motivated, the incident underscores systemic weaknesses in how the corporation manages crisis situations. Mumbai residents depend on the BMC to maintain basic standards of governance, and internal political conflicts can undermine its effectiveness.

The cold war between Sena and BJP within the BMC could have consequences for Mumbai's civic administration. If the two parties continue to prioritise political point-scoring over collaboration, it may slow down decision-making on critical issues affecting the city. The coming weeks will reveal whether this confrontation leads to substantive reforms or remains a political standoff.

Source: Times of India